This stack contains an XCMD that you can use to force all stacks to remain at userLevel 5. Using Resedit, copy [XCMD 'set' ID 512] from this stack into a copy of your HyperCard application program (not your home stack). Then use the new copy of HyperCard to open those stacks that try to set userLevel down. The only set commands that will work are those that do not alter the userLevel, and those that set it to 5. There is nothing a stack can do to evade this XCMD, short of renaming or deleting it from your program; any stack that tries to modify your application program without your permission deserves to be called a VIRUS . This XCMD is free and in the public domain. Includes source code :)